As Dollywood prepares to open for the season, groundwork proceeds on eight new attractions and a new restaurant for the theme park, according to documents filed with the Pigeon Forge Planning Commission.

Site plans offer few details on the expansion, and Dollywood management isn’t saying much yet.

“We’re not ready at this time to make any sort of an announcement as to what we have planned in the future, but we will be announcing something later in the year,” said Pete Owens, Dollywood director of public relations, on Tuesday.

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Hear Mayor David Wear talk briefly about Pigeon Forge's future following its recovery from 2016's wildfire to break a record in 2017.
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The site is to the east of the current preferred parking lot, he said. It’s undeveloped land which was not previously part of the theme park, Owens said.

Dollywood opens for season March 16

Dollywood opens for the season at 10 a.m. Friday, March 16. The park currently covers 150 acres, with more than 40 rides, 15 shows, plus restaurants and retail, according to the park’s website. Dollywood's Splash Country Water Park occupies another 35 acres. Adjacent is Dollywood’s DreamMore resort.

A butterfly-shaped butterfly garden with lyrics to Dolly Parton's "Try" at Dollywood's DreamMore Resort. Touches of Dolly Parton, such as butterflies, quotes and lyrics, can be found across the property. BRIANNA PACIORKA/NEWS SENTINEL

Site plans for the addition show a meandering 5-acre development, including an enclosed-tube “family coaster.” There are eight new attractions shown altogether, plus a restaurant and “water feature.”

According to the schematic, attractions include a pony-riding track, swinging boat ride, indoor play area and a “scooters” swinging ride.

A schematic shows the 5-acre expansion now receiving ground-prep work at Dollywood, expected to include eight new attractions and a restaurant.(Photo: Submitted - Pigeon Forge Planning Commission)

Pigeon Forge’s continued success depends upon constant construction or updating of restaurants, hotels and attractions, said Leon Downey, who has been executive director of Pigeon Forge’s Department of Tourism for nearly 30 years.

“The folks at Dollywood understand that,” he said. Dollywood owns about 100 acres of undeveloped land behind the current theme park, so there is still plenty of room for growth, Downey said.

Every year means a new addition to park

“Every year I’ve been here, Dollywood has a new addition to their park,” he said. “The smallest investment I ever remember them making is like $3 million.”

At least 80 percent of the area’s guests are repeat visitors, coming for two- or three-day stays, Downey said.

“Some of them come as many as nine times a year,” he said. That frequency means they want to see something new every time.

They can continue to count on that at Dollywood’s various properties, according to Owens.

“We are continually looking to improve all of the Dollywood properties,” he said.

Visitors walk through the park during opening day at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee on Saturday, March 18, 2017.(Photo: Calvin Mattheis, Knoxville News Sentinel)

The city is extending Jake Thomas Road from Teaster Lane to Veterans Boulevard, which will provide a connection direct from the Parkway to the front gate of the DreamMore resort, Downey said.

When the Jake Thomas extension is done, the new traffic flow should spur development along its route, Veterans Boulevard, and near the city’s LeConte Center, he said.

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From the archives: Dolly Parton has "always had a dream to do great things." She has been a success in music, movies, business and aher philanthropic ventures. Parton talks about her many business interests and to what she attributes her successes.
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